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Editorial

Backdoor politics

By Nagaland Post | Publish Date: 10/5/2018 12:26:21 PM IST

It’s a game of political musical chair in Nagaland which would never seem to end, which was confirmed by the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party(NDPP), in a surprising statement, when it accused former NPF chief minister T.R. Zeliang of trying to forge an alliance with BJP through backdoor. The ruling coalition- People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA)- comprising of NDPP (18), BJP (12), JD-U (1) and NPP (2) won a total of 33 seats and with an independent, the tally rose to 34 while the NPF bagged 26 seats. The NDPP tally was reduced to 17 following the demise of one of its legislators. In any given situation when a trial of strength takes place, the speaker does not participate in voting only except if there is a tie. The reduced strength of the PDA has left it with only 32 members (the speaker is not included). The NDPP has accused the former chief minister T.R. Zeliang of being actively engaged in trying to spread confusion within the political spectrum so as to create divisions within the ruling coalition in order to exploit the situation. NDPP alleged that Zeliang claimed he has been able to rope in four legislators of the NPP (2) JD-U (1) Ind (1) which would mean that NPF now has the support of 26+4 =30 members. According to this figure, the PDA has been reduced to a two-member coalition, NDPP (16- after the demise of one member and excluding the speaker) + BJP (12) or 28 members. Now if that is a fact, then TR Zeliang can move a no confidence motion against the PDA since his side will be having 30 members as against 28 of the PDA. Even if the speaker were to be included, PDA would still be lesser with 29 members as against 30 of the NPF alliance. By throwing this as a ‘done thing’ the NDPP further alleged that T.R. Zeliang has been trying his best to convince the BJP leaders at the centre that he has support of majority (as above). To further cement his offer to BJP, NDPP claimed that Zeliang also offered plump portfolios of choice to BJP in any such new set up. NDPP also alleged that Zeliang had also offered the Lok Sabha seat (in 2019) as well as the Rajya Sabha (which NPF took in the recent biennial election held last year). Offering the Rajya Sabha seat would mean that the present NPF member will have to resign. The BJP had refused the offer for alliance with NPF in February 2018 because NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü was allergic due to the state BJP involving in the NPF crisis by backing ousted chief minister T.R. Zeliang against then chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie. The NPF was also sore with the state Governor for dismissing the Dr. Shürhozelie ministry after summoning the house without the consent of the speaker. To placate the BJP, NDPP alleged that NPF assured the saffron party that it would have no issue with NPF since Dr. Shürhozelie’s term was ending and a new president would take over reins of the party. In theory, such combinations and permutations are acceptable and possible. There is also possibility of some sections of NPF joining NDPP. All these prove that everything is possible in politics and pointing fingers is a futile exercise because for politicians, the end justifies the means.